It can be the start of an overwhelming adventure when you realize your business is in need of professional branding photography. Where do you even start??
You start googling things like “what to wear in brand photos” or find yourself scrolling through your Instagram feed to try and find that photographer you liked once, but now can’t for the life of you remember what their name is.
It can feel like you’re supposed to know how this all works, but here’s the honest truth: you don’t.
You’re allowed to come into this not knowing where to look when the camera is pointed at you because you’re a boss business owner and (probably) not a professional model!
You are really good at what you do in your own business. You know who you’re talking to, who you’re helping. You know what works for you and what doesn’t serve you.
A branding photoshoot is a totally different thing and it’s normal to feel nervous or out of your element. It’s also why it’s a team collab and we work together to combine your strengths and super powers with mine to create the best branding photoshoot ever.
Why don’t we start with
Where to look, what to do, how to not be awkward… any of those things!
There’s always those first few moments of panic, “what do you want me to do??”
Don’t worry I’ll guide you through it all during your shoot!
I like to go with the flow while also coaching you on where to place your hands, how to stand, when to smile. And it doesn’t take long before you’ll feel the flow of it too.
If there are certain poses you want to try we totally can! If you’ve been saving pictures that you love you can send them to me and we can create your version of them.
I’ll help you choose the location that fits exactly what you need and I always bring extra lighting incase
The lighting and setting up is part of your shoot so if your space is going to need it make sure to book extra time!
And if you have absolutely no idea feel free to send me some phone photos of your space and I can let you know.
Although I can light a basement to look bright, this takes a lot of time and doesn’t give as much flexibility in variety.
We can also chat about alternative locations like renting a studio space (I have reccs!) or my home-studio space.
Your job is to show up and be your wonderful self! I’ll take care of the flow of the day and keep us on track
Before your shoot we’ll have a Zoom call (or if you hate those you can just answer the questionnaire).
From there I’ll take everything we talk about and use it to create your personalized Shoot Plan which is the compass that guides your entire shoot.
It will have everything you need to know, bring, wear and do!
...of that pimple that showed up the morning of your shoot.
I individually edit all of the photos you choose so I will make you look like the best, most well rested, glowing skin version of yourself!
Whether you’re getting your makeup professional done or doing it yourself it is a good idea to bring powder and lip color to your shoot as most people tend to get shiny and your lip color wears off as we go.
Also make sure to lint roll your clothes (especially if you have pets!) and clean your laptop screen if it will be used as a prop.
Photoshop is great, but it’s always better to make things look as great as possible in real life!
Now that you know what you don’t need to know here are a few things you should have a pretty good ideas about before your brand shoot
What do you want to convey with the photos? What do you want them to communicate for you? Who do you want to connect with?
Knowing these kind of things ensures you get not just pretty photos, but impactful ones that you want to share!
When you book your shoot with me I will send you an in-depth questionnaire that will help you answer them. We can also have a call and chat it through if that’s your jam.
On the more hands-on side: are these primarily going to be used on your website, blog, socials?
If they’re for your website do you need more horizontal photos for full page backgrounds or banners?
Or if it’s for Instagram do you need more vertical for Stories and Reels?
Sure you can say “everything!” but when there’s a primary focus it’s much more powerful!
Is your brand light and bright? Soft neutrals? Or nature-filled and we need to find a forest to wander through?
Maybe you love bold color and don't want just a white-on-white room as your backdrop.
Lean into your branding aesthetic and colors to show you!
When you book a shoot with me we’ll go through all these questions and more so I can help you really figure out what kinds of photos you need, love AND will actually use in your business!
Pretty pictures are great! I’m a big fan.
But when you know the intention of your shoot it creates much more impact and purpose and, let’s be real, VALUE for you!
Branding photography has definitely become “the thing that every business owner needs!” the last few years. And yes, there’s a lot of truth behind it and stats on how professional branding photography impacts your business.
But there’s another, often overlooked, side of it that I think is just as important:
What an intentional, aligned branding photoshoot can do for YOU. Personally and in your business.
You already have confidence in your business and in yourself when you’re in your zone of genius. You know what you’re talking about, who your people are and why your business exists!
And… sometimes that can all get forgotten when you are doing something out of the norm and out of your expertise. Adding on the fact of feeling like all your insecurities are amplified when a camera gets pointed at you. It can be a trip.
But that’s not what your brand shoot has to feel like!
Think of your branding photoshoot as an extension of your values and your core beliefs. The things that really matter to you the most in your business. That’s what we’re going to show your people.
And when you see it come to life through your personalized, visual Shoot Plan your confidence is going to start to build.
When we’re doing your photoshoot I’ll help you know what to do and where to look. I’ll pause taking pictures when your hair is flipped the wrong way and I’ll be the one to smooth it out for you so you’re looking like your absolute best self.
And when you see yourself in the photos you’re going to feel this moment of “I’m her. I look stunning and exactly like the person I feel like when I’m at my best, connecting with my clients” BOOM! Magic.
Even if you’re pretty sure of yourself and your place in your industry, imposter syndrome or comparison still sometimes sneaks in. Happens to the best of us!
Your brand photos are such an amazing, visual reminder that you are already enough! You are unique and what you have to offer is exactly what someone needs. You being you is your superpower that no one else can replicate. Just like your branding photos.
They are yours and no one else can compare.
There’s something profoundly affirming about standing in front of the camera, knowing that this shoot is a testament to your uniqueness and your place in this world. It's a tangible reminder that you are not only meant to be doing this but are also extraordinary in your own right!
In a world full of entrepreneurs and businesses, it can be easy to feel like just another face on the internet.
But here’s the truth: no one else does what you do quite like you do it.
Your branding photos are an impactful way to stand out and make an unforgettable impression!
They capture who you are, what you stand for, and the essence of your brand—all within seconds of someone seeing them.
So, embrace the opportunity to showcase your uniqueness and the heart of your business.
Let your branding photos do the talking, and watch as they become a powerful tool in helping you stand out and shine!